Oscar Kerchner

Oscar A. Kerchner, age 86, of Amboy died Saturday, May 14, 2011, at KSB Hospital in Dixon. He was born Dec. 20, 1924 in Mendota, Illinois, the son of Carl and Rena (Mann) Kerchner. He married Ethel Mellott May 26, 1945, in Ottawa, Illinois. She preceded him in death September 28, 2003. Oscar farmed his entire life, from the time he was a child, first on the farm where he was born, and then, beginning in 1953, on his own farm (Quiet Acres) northwest of Amboy - having a Grade A dairy herd, hogs, many crops, as well as a hay delivery business. Along with his farming, Oscar also did construction work (carpentry and concrete), which included building several houses and chairing the building committee for the construction of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amboy in 1969. Oscar enjoyed playing his harmonica, gardening, reminiscing with friends and family, and building toys for his grandchildren. Oscar was also preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Marie Piller and Margaret Piller; 1 brother, George Kerchner; 2 grandchildren, Daniel and Catherine Higby; 1 step grandson; 3 step great-grandchildren; and many friends. Survivors include 4 daughters, Betty (James) Higby of Dixon, Bonnie Kersten of DeKalb, Joy (Gordon) Meyer of Dixon, and Joan (Mace) Jacobs of Lake City, KS; 8 grandchildren, Eric Higby, Laura Kersten, Grant Kersten, Tara (Todd) Mencias, Robin Dieken, Alan (Sarah) Meyer, Justin Jacobs, and Dean Jacobs; 3 great grandchildren, Carmen Dieken, Gillian Higby, and Quinn Higby; 5 step-grandchildren; 8 step-great grandchildren; 1 sister Ruth Molln, of Van Orin; 3 brothers, Carl Kerchner, Wilbert Kerchner, and Kenneth Kerchner, all of Mendota; and many dear friends. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at 10:00 AM in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amboy, with the Rev. Vicki Sauter, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon, followed by a fellowship luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 17, from 4:00 until 7:00 PM in the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy and also from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM on Wednesday in the church prior to services. A memorial has been established to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Oscar Kerchner

December 20, 1924 - May 14, 2011